Endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouch: a 10-year review of single versus multiple staple rows.

Objective To compare the outcomes obtained in patients undergoing endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouches with single versus multiple rows of staples. Study Design A retrospective, 10-year review. Subjects and Methods Review of medical records in 38 patients who underwent endoscopic pharyngeal pouch repair. Results Patients who underwent stapling with multiple rows had a higher postoperative leak rate than patients who were stapled with a single row (36% vs 0%, P P Conclusion The technique of endoscopic pharyngeal pouch stapling has the potential to achieve excellent results. The application of more than one row of staples may be necessary to divide the common wall. However, in our series this is associated with a significantly increased risk of esophageal or pouch perforation. Care should be taken during the placement of multiple rows of staples.